The impact of Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions was well and truly cast aside as Cobar came to life on Saturday 30 April, with events that got community members out of their houses and into their best dance shoes.

The Festival of Place – Family Fun Fest! Commenced at 4pm in Drummond Park which hosted live music, entertainment, kids amusement, market stalls and food vendors. The weather also added 'feel good' vibes with a sunny afternoon in the mid-20s before dropping into a chilly night with a max temperature of 13.

The event was funded by the NSW Government, in association with the Cobar Shire Council, as part of the NSW Government's 'Festival of Place' funding program.

The program is set to roll out across NSW over the next 12 months in the hope of encouraging people to re-emerge and engage safely with public spaces. The festival's objective is one that celebrates connection to place, breadth, beauty and possibilities of public spaces.

Although the deb ball was on the same night, large numbers still attended the event to see local businesses and talent, including stalls that had handmade goods, food, gifts, toys, homeware and décor, jewellery and clothing. It was the spot to be and got all age groups out until the night wrapped up around 9pm.

Kahlia Martin, the vocalist and guitarist who performed on the night, said "the highlight for me was seeing so many members of the community come together for the event. It has been a tough few years for many people who have dealt with isolation and event cancellations due to Covid. It was good to see people enjoying themselves again – and some people even having a dance,"

"People of all ages came to the park for this. It was nice to see the diversity when performing; you'd look out into the crowd to see the community reunited and reconnecting," she said.

The Festival of Place Family Fun Fest in Drummond Park on Saturday showcased local markets including Nicki Smith’s crocheted goods which members of her family, May Higgins, Margaret Rendall, Tarra Burke and Bethany Smith helped to man. PHOTO COURTESY Cobar Weekly.